Bank Holiday travel hell warning as Heathrow workers to walk out for 3 days in strike which could ‘see planes grounded’
HOLIDAYMAKERS face bank holiday chaos because of a pay strike at a company that refuels planes.
Unite members at Aviation Fuel Services will walk out from 5am on Saturday, May 4.
At least 37 airlines at Heathrow face cancelling flights.
The union says new staff have been offered reduced pension and sickness benefits.
The carriers under threat of disruption include Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qantas, Air France, KLM, Air Canada, American Airlines and United Airlines.
Union bosses said AFS – made up of four firms Air BP, Total Energies, Q8 Air and Valero – are “attacking the most vulnerable” in its workforce.
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A spokesman said: “It is truly a position of the haves and have nots and in doing so creating a two-tier workforce.”
AFS was contacted for comment.
Heathrow Airport told The Sun: “We're aware of the strike and are working on contingencies with AFS to manage any potential disruption.”
Last week British Airways was threatened with strike action following a pay row.
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What happens if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight has been cancelled then you will be booked onto an alternative one or given a refund.
If you're offered an alternative flight then you are entitled to free meals and refreshments which are appropriate to the delay.
You should also get free hotel accommodation and transfer if there's an overnight stay.
If you get a refund then you should get the cash within seven days.
Airlines are not usually obligated to offer compensation following a strike because they are considered an "extraordinary circumstance".
Although, it may be worth trying to claim as airlines have a responsibility to ensure your flight arrives on time.
If you booked through a travel company they are also liable to arranging your travel.
The Sun's travel expert Lisa Minot will be taking part in a Live Q&A with readers at midday tomorrow (April 23) to answer your holiday dilemmas - ask her anything.
Whatever the travel question - big or small - make sure to send over all your questions to Lisa in the form below, and she'll answer them in the live Q&A. (if you can't see the form below, click here to access)